Pianotech

  • 1.  Installing an upright (spinet) piano truck

    Posted 06-09-2023 15:21

    Next week I will be putting a piano truck onto (or under) a Yamaha MX-85 QA.  The truck is a Schaff #4008 spinet truck which I believe originally was sold by Pianoteck.  As I have never done this procedure before I'm looking for any advice I can get.  One of the front legs is already damaged slightly which I will repair before installing the truck.  In addition, the piano has a (or came with) a Disklavier installed.  Some of the electronics is on the top which can be unplugged and removed, but there is another unit on the back which I assume is bolted securely to the back frame.  I am pretty much convinced that I will have to tip the piano on its back using my repair truck.  This will allow me to pull of the existing casters and repair the front leg easier.  Adding the truck to the piano while on its back seems like it might be one way to go, but I've also considered having it on a furniture dolly for the procedure as well.  In addition, I've been thinking about using a long bar clamp to add some pressure to the side bumpers while I tighten the center bolt.

    Any thoughts/comments are greatly appreciated.



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    Neil Vanderschaaf
    Round Rock TX
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  • 2.  RE: Installing an upright (spinet) piano truck

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 06-09-2023 15:56
    Neil

    I would like to suggest that instead of the 4008, that you us the 4009, Twin Dollies. https://istore.schaffpiano.com/ecommerce/p/twin-dollies-212-casters--4009

    They don't take up as much floor space, and are much easier to install. 



    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Installing an upright (spinet) piano truck

    Posted 06-09-2023 16:21

    Wim,

    Thanks for your suggestion.  Unfortunately I already purchased the 4008.  When I look at the picture of the 4009, it seems to me that it is basically designed for a piano that has bottom bracing for the front leg.  I may be wrong, but the piano I'm dealing with has the free standing front legs.  Also, from the picture it looks like the dolliy screws into the back frame, but I can't figure out where the bottom of a free standing front leg would go.  Maybe installer has to make a custom bracket for that?  I really wish Schaff had some additional info on these.  I couldn't find anything on Youtube either.



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    Neil Vanderschaaf
    Round Rock TX
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Installing an upright (spinet) piano truck

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 06-09-2023 16:44
    Neil

    The twin dollies attach to the back of the piano, usually to the bottom cross beam. They are very easy to install. Lift up one end of the piano, and slide one of the dollies under the piano with your foot. (Or move the piano to the dolly). There are 4 holes on the dolly that can be screwed into the back of the piano. Once you've got both dollies attached, you can either tip it on a tilt truck, or if you're strong enough, you can tip the piano on one end. (which is what I did). The you can attach the dolly to the bottom of the piano. 

    With the dollies installed, the front legs are off the ground so that you can repair them. Because the back wheels of the dolly are outside the vertical space of the piano, it's almost impossible to tip the piano over. 

    It might be worth it to you to send the 4008 back and order the 4009. 

    Wim



    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Installing an upright (spinet) piano truck

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 06-10-2023 11:00

    Hello Neil,

    For years we have used what we call "dolly blocks" or "moving blocks" patterned after the ones used on the trucks by Keyboard Carriage. These simplify loading verticals or grand skids on & off of moving dollies as well as assisting in installing or removing vertical stage dollies.

    They can be used on their side for a short lift or upright (not long ways) for a higher lift. You can lift one end either by hand or using a Johnson bar (pallet Jack, lifting lever) and insert a block then lift the other end and insert a second block as seen in the picture. There are too many other uses to detail here but this allows placing the dolly under the piano and adjusting then lowering it onto the dolly and install mounting screws. (I do the two-piece Dollie's this way and it allows me access to the screwholes on the bottom to mount to the bottom board.)

    These also simplify the installation of tee nuts and stove bolts through the bottom board for vertical hinge repair. 

    Construction is simple and I make them from 2x4 and 2x6 material. Sometimes I would put a rope handle on one end to make removal even easier (pulling it out with my foot while I lift one end of the piano.)

    Height dimension isn't all that critical as long as it gives you enough room to work and is slightly (usually around 1/4") taller than your piano dolly. 

    Feel free to contact me if this description is as murky as I fear.

    Best regards,

    Dolly blocks under a Baldwin 6000 52


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    Allan Gilreath, RPT
    Registered Piano Technician & President
    Allan Gilreath & Associates, Inc
    Calhoun, GA
    706-602-7667
    allan@allangilreath.com - www.allangilreath.com
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    Original Message